If you want to experience all Charleston has to offer, then slather on some sunscreen and step outside. America's most historic city literally brims with outdoor adventures that draw sports enthusiasts from around the world.
Golf
To many in the know, it just makes sense that one of the country's most historic cities traces its golf roots to the mid-1700s, when ships sailing into Charleston Harbor regularly listed "golf sticks and balls" on their manifests. In fact, Charleston has been called the birthplace of golf in America. The South Carolina Golf Club—now chartered as the Country Club of Charleston—was founded in 1786 and has been recognized by no less an authority than GOLF Magazine as the nation's first golf club.
With two resort properties serving as cornerstones, the Charleston area now offers more than two dozen golf courses, the great majority of which are open to outside play. As the competition increases, so does the quality of the individual offerings. Three area courses have earned "top 100" status from various national publications and several of golf's governing bodies have staged important national and international championships over Lowcountry fairways.
For more on golfing in Charleston, visit our Golf section.
Fly-Fishing
What fly-fishing enthusiast can resist packing up their rods and reels, their nets and creels, their flies, leaders and tippets, along with their favorite worn fishing hat and vest and heading down South Carolina's coastal Highway 17 for a fishing adventure? The region from Cape Romain to the ACE Basin, with Charleston at its heart, has caught the attention of fly-fishermen—and women—from across North America and Europe. In fact, the Charleston area now ranks as a premiere destination for fishing aficionados.
Clearly, the word is out on the picturesque South Carolina Lowcountry. From Cape Romain, with its barrier islands and unspoiled beaches, to historic Charleston harbor, and its diverse backwater estuaries, to the pristine waters of the ACE Basin, the region offers year-round opportunities for both the novice and experienced fly-fisher.
Kayaking
To say that sea kayaking is the fastest growing adventure sport in the United States is an understatement. For decades, the sport was mostly centered in the Pacific Northwest and in Maine, but in recent years, the allure of South Carolina's marine environment has thrust the state into the spotlight, leaving many paddlers asking, "What took so long?"
After all, South Carolina has more estuaries than any other state except Louisiana, and more barrier islands than any other state except Florida. The unique combination of the two has catapulted South Carolina right to the top in the world of kayaking. As kayaking opportunities crop up across the Lowcountry, more and more first time paddlers are making waves right here in Charleston.
Tennis
The sport of tennis grew up in Charleston, alongside its counterpart, golf. As beachside resorts began cropping up along the Lowcountry coastline, the construction of world-class golf courses often went hand-in-hand with first-rate tennis facilities.
As Charleston's golf courses began racking up national recognition, so did its tennis courts. In fact, Wild Dunes Resort earned a spot on the "Top 10 Tennis Resorts" named by Tennis Magazine. That was just the beginning.
Soon the national spotlight would also fall on the tennis programs at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, earning it a number of the sport's highest accolades, including being ranked No. 1 on the 2004-2005 list of "Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts" by TENNIS Magazine. Today Kiawah Island Golf & Tennis Resort is ranked #1 Tennis Resort in the World by Tennisresortsonline.com and #2 in the 2006-2008 list of "Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts" by TENNIS magazine. (The resort offers custom tennis resort vacation packages that include unlimited court time, accommodations, buffet breakfasts, tennis clinics and lots of extras for tennis buffs. Visit their site for details; kiawahresort.com.)
As national tennis tournaments began gracing the Charleston area for the quality of its courts, along with its temperate climate conditions, the stage was set for bigger and better things. In the spring of 2001, tennis in Charleston took on a whole new life with the opening of the Family Circle Tennis Center, the new home of the Family Circle Cup. The Center is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as the centerpiece to an amazing 32-acre tennis complex on Daniel Island. With 17 championships courts highlighted by the 10,200-seat Family Circle Magazine Stadium, the Family Circle Tennis Center is one of the finest tennis facilities in the Southeast. Featuring one of the most qualified teaching staffs in the country, the Center provides residents and visitors with a diverse tennis program aimed at pleasing every age and skill level. The site is also host to popular concerts and as a staging area for many events.
If you want to read more about tennis in Charleston, visit our Tennis section.
The outdoor adventures don't stop with world-class golf, tennis, kayaking and fly-fishing. The sports enthusiast, eager so soak up the South Carolina sunshine, can enjoy a day…or a week…sailing, hiking, canoeing, skiing, or even parasailing right here in the Charleston Lowcountry.
South Carolina Aquarium
A trip to Charleston would not be complete without spending the afternoon at the South Carolina Aquarium located on Charleston Harbor. A self supporting educational institution, the aquarium is dedicated to excellence in its display and interpretation of the aquatic environments of South Carolina. In addition to the permanent exhibits that showcase all regions of the state, from the mountains to the sea, the South Carolina Aquarium is currently hosting a special Secrets of the Amazon exhibit. A remarkable experience awaits, as guests trek through a researcher's hut discovering the wonders of this amazing watershed. Exhibits featuring the diversity of the Amazon are found throughout, showcasing animals such as a green anaconda, goliath bird eating spider, piranha, electric eels, poison dart frogs and a green aracari. 843-720-1990
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Play ball! That's what your family will hear when you take in a game of Class A professional baseball. Affiliated with the New York Yankees, the Charleston RiverDogs delight residents and visitors alike with exciting action in the modern Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park located along the banks of the Ashley River. "The Joe," as it is fondly called by locals, is one of the finest minor league baseball facilities in the country. The season runs April - Sept. 843-577-3647
If your kids are soccer fans, they're in luck. While in the Lowcountry, plan an evening watching an exciting game of professional soccer cheering for the Charleston Battery, the area's own USL First Division soccer team. The action takes place at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island. Styled after the classic English soccer experience, the stadium seats 5,100 and offers fans an unmatched environment with superb sightlines, concessions, and even a children's interactive soccer theme park. The season runs April - Aug. 843-971-4625
Looking for a great way to cool off? Pull on your sweatshirt and catch some hot action on the ice. Since 1993, the ECHL South Carolina Stingrays has been winning fans in the Charleston Lowcountry by offering the finest in minor league hockey. This Washington Capital affiliated team plays at the modern North Charleston Coliseum, located just north of Charleston on I-526. The Stingrays season runs Oct. - April. 843-744-2248
Bison and Gators and Bears, Oh My
Children love to wander through Charleston's only natural habitat zoo and discover all the animals native to South Carolina in 1670. The Animal Forest at Charles Towne Landing features puma, bison, alligators, black bears, wolves and more, all to the delight of young explorers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Charles Towne Landing is the site of the first English Settlement in South Carolina. It brings to life the experiences of the early settlers, and interprets the first years of the colony with hands on activities. Kids love to climb aboard the full scale reproduction 17th century trading vessel Adventure, and parents enjoy leisurely strolls through the 80 acre English Park Garden. Other amenities include miles of nature and walking trails, bike trails (rentals available), gift shop, snack bar, picnic areas, and playground equipment. 843-852-4200.
Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission
Website: www.ccprc.com
Beachwalker County Park at Kiawah Island
(843) 768-2395
Beach park with dressing areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, boardwalks, picnic area with grills, snack bar plus beach chair, boogie board, umbrella and bicycle rentals. Open daily March through October.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
(843) 889-8898
Eight miles of interpretive trails, over 1,200 feet of boardwalk through swamps and marshes, exhibits, Environmental Education Center, habitats for a variety of wildlife, and much more. Closed Monday.
Folly Beach County Park
(843) 588-2426
Beach park with dressing area, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic area, snack bar and boardwalk plus beach chair, boogie board, umbrella and bicycle rentals. Open daily.
Isle of Palms County Park
(843) 886-3863
Beach park with dressing rooms, outdoor showers, restrooms, boardwalks, picnic area, sand volleyball, children's play area, snack and drink vending, plus beach chair, boogie board, umbrella and bicycle rentals. Pets allowed on leash. Open daily.
James Island County Park
(843) 795-7275
A 643-acre park featuring a fishing dock, alpine climbing wall, canoes, kayaks, Splash Zone water park, Rollerblading, Holiday Festival of Lights. Camping and cabin rental. Open daily.
Palmetto Islands County Park
(843) 884-0832
A 943-acre park featuring Splash Island water park, Rollerblading and bike trails, fishing, paddleboats, picnic areas, snack bar, large playground, and open field for games. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier
(843) 588-FISH
Delight in fishing, walking, birding, and the opportunity to enjoy wonderful views of Folly Beach. The pier is 24 feet wide, extends more than 1,045 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is 23 feet above sea level.
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
(843) 572-7275
With over 1,015 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands, park features Rollerblading, bike paths, pedal boats and water park. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Whirlin' Waters Adventure Water Park
(843) 572-7075
Located within North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, Whirlin' Waters features water slides, lazy river, wave pool, play structures and more! Open in the summer.
Luxury real estate sales on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw and the surrounding Charleston area. A leader in luxury real estate sales and vacation rentals for almost three decades. Seasonal vacation rentals or year-round luxury properties for South Carolina coastal living. Highly personalized service, a true commitment to patient, comprehensive representation is our priority.
Bringing some of the finest artists in their fields together under one roof, the Martin Gallery is a soaring space filled with the exquisite color and texture of oils, acrylics, bronzes, marbles, terra-cottas and richly hued glass. The eclectic art is representative of more than thirty nationally and internationally renowned artists. Located at 18 Broad Street on the corner of State Street in the Grand Salon of the historic People’s Building.
A refined French café and bar offering the best in classic Brasserie cuisine. Culinary team creations pay homage to classic brasserie cuisine that inspired vehemently loyal Parisians. Indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails and a predominantly French wine list blended with a selection of our steward's favorites. Open late. Upstairs offers catering for your meeting or party. Don't miss 39 Rue de Jean Sunday Brunch.
A trip to Charleston would not be complete without spending the afternoon at the South Carolina Aquarium located on Charleston Harbor. A self supporting educational institution, the aquarium is dedicated to excellence in its display and interpretation of the aquatic environments of South Carolina. In addition to the permanent exhibits that showcase all regions of the state, from the mountains to the sea, the South Carolina Aquarium is currently hosting a special Secrets of the Amazon exhibit. A remarkable experience awaits, as guests trek through a researcher's hut discovering the wonders of this amazing watershed. Exhibits featuring the diversity of the Amazon are found throughout, showcasing animals such as a green anaconda, goliath bird eating spider, piranha, electric eels, poison dart frogs and a green aracari. 843-720-1990
Beachwalker County Park at Kiawah Island
Isle of Palms County Park
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Luxury real estate sales on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw and the surrounding Charleston area. A leader in luxury real estate sales and vacation rentals for almost three decades. Seasonal vacation rentals or year-round luxury properties for South Carolina coastal living. Highly personalized service, a true commitment to patient, comprehensive representation is our priority.
Bringing some of the finest artists in their fields together under one roof, the Martin Gallery is a soaring space filled with the exquisite color and texture of oils, acrylics, bronzes, marbles, terra-cottas and richly hued glass. The eclectic art is representative of more than thirty nationally and internationally renowned artists. Located at 18 Broad Street on the corner of State Street in the Grand Salon of the historic People’s Building. 
A refined French café and bar offering the best in classic Brasserie cuisine. Culinary team creations pay homage to classic brasserie cuisine that inspired vehemently loyal Parisians. Indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails and a predominantly French wine list blended with a selection of our steward's favorites. Open late. Upstairs offers catering for your meeting or party. Don't miss 39 Rue de Jean Sunday Brunch.
